Members of Persimmon South West recently got their hands dirty as they helped plant 1800 trees on the outskirts of Exeter.

Organised by East Devon District Council as part of Clyst Valley Regional Park’s pledge to treble tree cover in the area, around 150 people attended a tree planting event with a number of Persimmon employees on hand to support.

The woodland being developed sits adjacent to the new Country Park which is being provided by Persimmon. Situated less than a hundred meters from our Ashworth Place development it’ll offer residents a place to access and enjoy.

One of the main aims of the Clyst Valley Regional Park masterplan is to ensure a major increase in trees through both planting and natural regeneration with the overall aim of combating the climate and nature crisis.

The trees being planted at the site included oaks, alders and aspen. Shrubs included alder, buckthorn, hazel and hawthorns - all of which are beneficial for wildlife and should thrive in the warming climate.

The tree planting event aligns with one of Persimmon’s key priorities which is to enhance the biodiversity of new developments, and forms part of the broader plans to achieve net zero for new homes by 2030.

Following the event, Persimmon’s Land and Planning Director for the South West, Rob Clark said:

“We were delighted to be able to offer our support to East Devon District Council and Clyst Valley Regional Park’s tree planting event.

“I’d like to thank the members of staff here at Persimmon, the event organisers and to everyone in the local community who gave their time and worked so hard on the day to make it a success.

“The highlight for the Persimmon team was coming together with the local community and everyone involved to create a positive legacy that will deliver social and environmental value for the future.”